McLaren has told the press today that they have found the cause of the recent performance drop, by identifying the major areas they need improvement.
Image: ZeeNews
McLaren know there is no magical over-night fix, that restores the McLaren's to the front of the grid. They believe they have pinpointed the problematic areas on their McLaren MP4-28. They have prepared alot of upgrades to use on the car at this weekends Chinese Grand Prix.
"I believe we do know where the problems are on the car, we managed to improve the car between Australia and Malaysia, and we were closer on the pace there. Taking the learning from that weekend, we're taking a number of upgrades to China. Some are routine, some are a response to the moment. We need to run the package we have in China in order to be absolutely sure [about progress], so Friday is a very key element. I certainly believe we are on the right track now; we have an idea where the problems are. After the Chinese Grand Prix I think we will have more [answers]." managing director Jonathan Neale told
AutoSport
Neale also said McLaren will still be fighters in the 2013 title fight. McLaren fully believe their Mclaren MP4-28 is a potential race-winner. they also believe they have a really good underlying package. McLaren insist they can turn the car around by the end of the season.
"We believe that we have underlying a very good package. Clearly it is not a performance we expected, but it's a long season as everyone knows," he said.
"We've seen in previous years the car that wasn't on pole [at the start] can fight it out right to the end, and everything we are doing here is designed first of all to make us back into winning form. If we can get on that quickly - and there is no reason why we can't - we can fight for the championship."
McLaren have previously failed to start the season well, but managed to turn it around by the end of the season. But with a team of such experience and history, McLaren should be producing excellent cars - as Red Bull do - at the start of each season.
The MP4-27 was an excellent car, they should of continued to build on that car after the Brazilian Grand Prix.